SUGAR-LOAF MOUNTAIN. 
17 
wood of flowering trees. On my right hand, the same wood climbed, 
in a curve, the sides of precipitous ground, and was intersected by 
winding paths leading to a rugged rock. On the verge of this hung 
a picturesque cottage, and at its foot, groves of orange trees afforded 
a retreat from an unclouded sun, whose beams, darting through the 
intervals of their foliage, exhibited beautiful contrasts of light and 
shade. On my left, the land sloped in gentle undulations towards 
the sea, into which it ran in a narrow and rocky promontory : on 
this was built the fort near which I had landed. The effect of the 
scene was much heightened by the cooling sea-breezes ; which, 
blowing over fields of flowers, came charged with delicious fragrance. 
Having satiated myself with the contemplation of the objects 
around me, and collected many interesting birds, insects, and plants, 
I returned to my boat, and coasted along the rocky shore, which 
runs in steep declivities to the water’s edge. I gathered on my way 
several specimens of Fuci and Confervae, which included a greater 
number of species, than from the reported barrenness of these shores 
I had been led to expect. I doubt not, that a botanist, with a suffi- 
cient command of time, might collect from them treasures that would 
more than repay him for the trouble of his research. It is true, that 
as the shores are rocky and steep, they are seldom thrown upon land, 
and must therefore be gathered from their places of growth, which 
cannot be accomplished without frequently wading ; but this, in a hot 
climate, is both wholesome and pleasant. 
My next excursion led me to the Botanic Garden, distant about 
six miles from the town of St. Sebastian. The day was excessively 
hot ; and my walk was through a deep sandy lane ; but small houses 
of refreshment were numerous on the side of the road, which afforded 
the means of allaying thirst, at the most moderate expense : for 
three half-pence, as much lemonade, or weak brandy and water, 
was handed to me, as I could prudently drink. Such beverage 
would have been more grateful, had it partaken less of a local cha- 
racter ; but as a traveller, I did not scruple to swallow, at every 
draught, a considerable number of ants, and a proportionate quan- 
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